SMB taps former Jazz as import

San Miguel’s backup import Kevin Murphy arrived Thursday morning, enough time for him and the Beermen to develop some cohesion as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Magnolia Hotshots Ang Pambansang Manok.

The Beermen brought in the former Utah Jazz to pinch-hit for Arizona Reid while he recovers from an ankle injury he sustained last week.

Listed as 6-5 Murphy joined the Beermen’s practice shortly upon his arrival. He is scheduled for official measurement on Friday at the PBA office in Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

Austria hopes the native of Atlanta, Georgia will be able to inject new life to the Beermen, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Ginebra Kings last Sunday.

“Based on what we’ve seen on video, I think he’s okay,” Austria said of Murphy, who played for the Jazz during 2012-13 NBA season.

The 28-year-old had NBA D-League stints with the Reno Bighorns, Idaho Stampede and Grand Rapids Drive before playing in France, Croatia and China.

Reid hurt his ankle in San Miguel’s 143-119 win over Columbian Dyip last Friday and hurt it again two nights later in a 110102 defeat to defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Austria said he offered Reid some words of encouragement after the coaching staff agreed to bring in Murphy.

“AZ’s always in practice kaya lang di pa niya matakbo dahil may tenderness dun sa kanyang ankle at ayaw naming maaggravate,” Austria said.

“Pero I told him that ‘You’re still my import’ kaya sabi ko sa kanya keep on working pa, magpakundisyon dahil you can never know what will happen,” he added. —

PBA.com